Monrovia – As the festive season approaches, many Liberians are expressing concerns over the rising hardships they face, dampening the usually joyous spirit of Christmas. From Red Light to Broad Street, residents lament economic struggles making it increasingly difficult to prepare for holiday celebrations.
Market vendors at Red Light report skyrocketing costs of basic commodities, challenging families to afford traditional Christmas meals and gifts. “Everything is so expensive now,” said Decontee Kollie, a longtime vendor. “We can barely make enough to survive, let alone celebrate Christmas.”
Taxi drivers and small business owners on Broad Street share similar sentiments. Victor Kukulah, a taxi driver, stated, “It’s hard to make ends meet, and with Christmas coming, it’s even more stressful.”
The economic strain has also affected employment rates, with many Liberians struggling to find stable jobs. Unemployed youths express concerns about providing for their families during the festive season. “I can’t even buy a small gift for my children,” said Aaron Gee of Old Road, a student and unemployed father. “Christmas should be a time of joy, but it’s hard to feel that way when you’re worried about basic needs.”
Despite these hardships, many Liberians remain hopeful and are finding ways to celebrate the season. Churches are preparing for special services, and communities are coming together to share what they can. “We may be facing tough times, but we’re still a strong and resilient people,” said Mustapha P. Kiahon, a community youth leader from Divine Town. “We’ll find a way to make this Christmas special, even if it’s not the way we’re used to.”
As Liberia prepares for the festive season, the voices of its people continue to call for change and a better future. The hope is that the spirit of Christmas will bring not only joy but also a renewed commitment to addressing the challenges that lie ahead.
Amid these difficulties, the recent news of Liberia’s qualification for a second Compact with the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) has brought a glimmer of hope. The Compact is expected to unlock significant resources for the country’s development agenda, providing much-needed support for infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
During the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the Executive Mansion on Wednesday, President Joseph Boakai disclosed that this achievement reflects progress in governance and offers a unique opportunity for the country to address critical development challenges. “While I was Vice President of the country, we went to the United States to sign for $267 million plus, and at some point, $250 million. This one is much larger than that,” President Boakai said. He described the initiative as a “giant achievement” that will release significant resources for national development. The president added that the details of the Compact, including the total funding amount and focus areas, would be disclosed by the government in due course.
As Liberia navigates these challenging times, the collective hope for better days remains a powerful force driving the people forward. The spirit of unity and resilience is expected to help the nation overcome hardships and look forward to a brighter future.
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